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Evergreen Ledger

SHB 1848

Signed

House

Traumatic brain injuries

Concerning services and supports for individuals with traumatic brain injuries.

How does a bill become law?
  1. Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
  2. Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
  3. Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
  4. Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
  5. Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
  6. Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
Introduced: February 26, 2025
Last Action: May 19, 2025
Status: C 364 L 25
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AI Analysis

This analysis was generated by AI and may contain errors. It is not legal advice. Always refer to the official bill text for authoritative information.
People & CommunitiesPeople-leaningCorporate & Wealthy Interests

This bill increases funding for in-person support and community integration services for people with traumatic brain injuries by creating a new $10 traffic infraction fee dedicated to the traumatic brain injury account. It also requires the state to hold an annual conference and prioritize peer-led, community-based programs—especially in rural areas—while updating public awareness efforts and administrative procedures.

  • Establishes a new $10 per traffic infraction fee, deposited into the traumatic brain injury account, with revenue dedicated to in-person support groups, peer mentoring, and community integration programs.
  • Requires at least 30% of annual spending from the traumatic brain injury account to support in-person peer-led support groups and community integration activities—especially in rural areas—and prohibits disproportionate funding of virtual-only or state-affiliated programs.
  • Mandates a public awareness campaign using funds from the traumatic brain injury account to promote awareness of traumatic brain injuries and highlight available in-person services.
  • Requires the traumatic brain injury council to sponsor an annual statewide conference for survivors, caregivers, professionals, and community members to share knowledge and build collaboration.
  • Directs the Department of Social and Health Services to prioritize peer engagement in funding decisions and to use a request-for-proposal process to select programs for support group funding.

Who is affected

  • Individuals with traumatic brain injuries — Individuals with traumatic brain injuries will gain improved access to in-person peer support groups, community integration programs, and peer-led mentoring—especially in rural areas—helping address social isolation and support recovery.
  • Family members and caregivers — Family members and caregivers will benefit from expanded support resources, including peer-led groups, skills-building programs, and a new annual conference focused on navigating services and connecting with others.
  • Community-based and peer-led support organizations — Community-based organizations and peer-led support groups will receive dedicated funding and priority in state grant processes to expand in-person services and programs.
  • Traffic infraction offenders — People convicted of certain traffic infractions (e.g., driving without a valid license or failing to respond to an infraction notice) will pay new or increased fees, with a portion directed to the traumatic brain injury account.
Effective: July 28, 2025Fiscal impact: The bill creates a new $10 per traffic infraction fee (RCW 46.63.110(7)(c)), with revenue deposited into the traumatic brain injury account. At least 30% of annual account spending must support in-person peer support and community integration programs. The bill also directs the state to seek federal grants to supplement state funding, with a requirement that federal funds enhance—not replace—existing state funding for these programs.
Model: Intel/Qwen3-Coder-Next-int4-AutoRoundGenerated: Mar 19, 2026 at 7:22 PM

Pro/Con Analysis

Stronger case for benefits

Potential Benefits (5)

  • Requires at least 30% of traumatic brain injury account spending to support in-person peer-led support groups and community integration programs—especially in rural areas—which can improve long-term outcomes for survivors by reducing social isolation, enhancing rehabilitation adherence, and preventing secondary complications (e.g., depression, substance use) that may lead to public safety risks.

    Public SafetyPeopleRef: Sec. 4, RCW 74.31.050(3) & Sec. 5, RCW 74.31.060(3)(d)

  • Mandates funding for hospital-to-community transition support and peer mentoring, which evidence shows improves functional recovery, reduces hospital readmissions, and lowers long-term healthcare costs for this high-need population.

    HealthcarePeopleRef: Sec. 4, RCW 74.31.050(3) & Sec. 5, RCW 74.31.060(3)(c)

  • Requires a public awareness campaign and annual conference focused on traumatic brain injury education, which can increase community understanding, reduce stigma, and improve early recognition and intervention—benefiting schools, employers, and service providers.

    EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 3, RCW 74.31.040(1) & Sec. 4, RCW 74.31.050(4)

  • Supports peer-led community integration programs that can improve employment outcomes for people with traumatic brain injuries, many of whom face barriers to re-entering the workforce—potentially reducing reliance on public assistance and increasing tax revenue over time.

    Business & EmploymentPeopleRef: Sec. 5, RCW 74.31.060(2) & Sec. 4, RCW 74.31.050(3)

  • By supporting peer-led community integration and skills-building programs—especially in rural areas—the bill helps stabilize individuals with traumatic brain injuries, reducing risk of homelessness and supporting independent living.

    HousingPeopleRef: Sec. 5, RCW 74.31.060(3)(a) & (b)
Potential Concerns (2)

  • Imposes a new $10 per-traffic-infraction fee on individuals convicted of traffic infractions, which may increase the financial burden on low- and moderate-income drivers—especially those who receive multiple infractions or cannot afford to contest them—without providing offsetting benefits such as fee waivers for indigence.

    FinancialRef: Sec. 2, RCW 46.63.110(7)(c)

  • The $10 fee is deposited into the state treasury and not retained by local governments, reducing potential local revenue that could support local services or reduce other local taxes—though the bill explicitly prohibits local retention of this fee, it does not compensate localities for the lost revenue potential.

    Local GovernmentRef: Sec. 2, RCW 46.63.110(7)(c)

Who Is Most Affected

Individuals with traumatic brain injuriesPositive Impact

Individuals with traumatic brain injuries—particularly those in rural areas or with limited access to virtual services—will gain significantly from expanded in-person peer support, community integration, and transition support. Evidence shows peer support improves mental health, reduces isolation, and enhances functional independence.

Family members and caregiversPositive Impact

Caregivers and family members will benefit from peer-led support groups, skills-building programs, and the annual conference, which provide emotional support, practical guidance, and respite—reducing caregiver burnout and improving family well-being.

Community-based and peer-led support organizationsPositive Impact

Community-based, peer-led organizations—especially small nonprofits and peer-run programs—will gain priority access to state funding and a new, dedicated funding stream. However, they must compete via RFP process and may face capacity constraints in rural areas.

Traffic infraction offendersNegative Impact

Low- and moderate-income drivers who receive traffic infractions will pay an additional $10 per infraction, with no waiver option—potentially compounding financial hardship for those already struggling with fines, especially if they receive multiple infractions.

State and local governmentsMixed Impact

State and local governments benefit from improved public health outcomes and reduced long-term healthcare and social service costs, but local governments lose no-revenue-stream flexibility since the $10 fee is state-deposited only.